The United Kingdom's extensive track-record of expertise and leadership in the wind energy industry was demonstrated today by the presence of more than 30 UK companies at the annual WINDPOWER 2011 conference in Anaheim, CA.

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UK Showcases Wind Energy Experience to North American Market

ANAHEIM, CA (May 23, 2011) - The United Kingdom's extensive track-record of expertise and leadership in the wind energy industry was demonstrated today by the presence of more than 30 UK companies at the annual WINDPOWER 2011 conference in Anaheim, CA. The companies - including the UK Trade & Investment/Scottish Development International mission's largest ever delegation of 24 wind businesses - represent the country's deep portfolio of wind energy capabilities ranging from turbine manufacturing and engineering to site analysis and project management.

"The UK leads the world in pioneering offshore wind energy development and also has established a desirable cache of onshore wind power expertise," said Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul - USA Clean Technology Sector. "There is now a thirst from other nations to tap into the UK's decades of knowledge and experience of the wind sector. As the rest of the world grows their own wind industries, there is a strong recognition that the talent, innovation and know-how of the UK are critical tools to draw upon and collaborate with."

The UK - which currently is home to more than 150 active wind companies and holds the largest offshore wind power capacity - has proven to be an ideal partner in growing markets throughout the United States and North America.

"The UK has generated innovations and real-world experience in wind power that can benefit North American companies and their business objectives," said Sebastian Chivers, Senior Vice President of PMSS, a UK-based renewable energy consultancy that recently opened an office in New York, NY due to high demand for its services throughout the United States and Canada. "UK companies like PMSS are now sharing the lessons learned and the knowledge we've built from our country's long history of developing wind as a renewable resource."

The offshore wind skillset of the UK is particularly sought-after as North America begins to develop its own offshore wind energy resources. For example, Glasgow-based Sgurr Energy is providing engineering advice to the Cape Wind Project, the first major offshore wind project in the United States.

Within the small wind sector, Proven Energy of Scotland has established itself as a top three manufacturer of small wind turbines in North America and this week announced the opening of its U.S. headquarters in the Chicago, IL area to address high volume of demand and growth in the continent. The company has more than 200 turbines installed in the U.S. and operates in North American markets such as Canada, Alaska and the Bahamas.

"The UK's strong understanding of wind energy - in both offshore and onshore - is creating dynamic business opportunities and avenues of collaboration between the Great Britain and North America as both regions continue to advance their low-carbon economies," added Rosenfeld of UK Trade & Investment.

UK Trade & Investment - which has identified the West Coast of North America as one of its priority markets for clean energy business development - is hosting a briefing session on Tuesday, May 24 at WINDPOWER 2011 that will identify and facilitate business opportunities in the North America and UK small wind sectors. For more information please visit: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/countries/americas/northamerica/unitedstates/event/129460.html.

North American renewable energy and clean technology companies interested in learning more about business opportunities in the United Kingdom are encouraged to visit booth #477 contact Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul - USA Clean Technology Sector at 310 420 0835 or mike.rosenfeld@uktradeinvestusa.com.

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About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.

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